A Powerful Ally
There’s no denying the power of bodywork. Regardless of the adjectives we assign
to it (pampering, rejuvenating, therapeutic) or the reasons we seek it out (a
luxurious treat, stress relief, pain management), massage therapy can be a
powerful ally in your healthcare regimen.
Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress related.
And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress.
While eliminating anxiety and pressure altogether in this fast-paced world may
be idealistic, massage is therapeutic and can, without a doubt, help manage stress. This translates
into:
Decreased anxiety.
Enhanced sleep quality.
Greater energy.
Improved concentration.
Increased circulation.
Reduced fatigue.
Better Health
Furthermore, clients often report a sense of perspective and clarity after
receiving a massage. The emotional balance bodywork provides can often be just
as vital and valuable as the more tangible physical benefits.
Profound Effects
In response to massage, specific physiological and chemical changes cascade
throughout the body, with profound effects. Research shows that with massage:
Arthritis sufferers note fewer aches and less stiffness and pain.
Asthmatic children show better pulmonary function and increased peak air
flow.
Burn injury patients report reduced pain, itching, and anxiety.
High blood pressure patients demonstrate lower diastolic blood pressure,
anxiety, and stress hormones.
Premenstrual syndrome sufferers have decreased water retention and
cramping.
Preterm infants have improved weight gain.
Research continues to show the enormous benefits of touch—which range from
treating chronic diseases, neurological disorders, and injuries, to alleviating
the tensions of modern lifestyles. Consequently, the medical community is
actively embracing bodywork, and massage is becoming an integral part of hospice
care and neonatal intensive care units. Many hospitals are also incorporating
on-site massage practitioners and even spas to treat post-surgery or pain
patients as part of the recovery process.
Increase the Benefits with Frequent Visits
Getting a massage can do you a world of good. And getting massage frequently can
do even more. This is the beauty of bodywork. Taking part in this form of
regularly scheduled self-care can play a huge part in how healthy you’ll be and
how youthful you’ll remain with each passing year. Budgeting time and money for
bodywork at consistent intervals is truly an investment in your health. And
remember: just because massage feels like a pampering treat doesn’t mean it is
any less therapeutic. Consider massage appointments a necessary piece of your
health and wellness plan.
The Benefits Of Massage
What exactly are the benefits of receiving massage or bodywork treatments?
Useful for all of the conditions listed below and more, massage can:
Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and
shorten maternity hospital stays.
Ease medication dependence.
Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural
defense system.
Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from,
strenuous workouts.
Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin.
Increase joint flexibility.
Lessen depression and anxiety.
Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving
circulation.
Reduce post-surgery adhesions and swelling.
Reduce spasms and cramping.
Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural
painkiller.
Deep Tissue Massage
Techniques that utilize deep-tissue/deep-muscle massage are administered to
affect the sub-layer of musculature and fascia. These techniques require
advanced training and a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology. The
muscles must be relaxed in order to effectively perform deep-tissue massage,
otherwise tight surface muscles prevent the practitioner from reaching deeper
musculature. It helps with chronic muscular pain and injury rehabilitation and
reduces inflammation-related pain caused by arthritis and tendinitis. It is
generally integrated with other massage techniques.
Muscle Release Technique
This technique combines compression, extension, movement, and breath to give
therapists a tool to provide relief from pain, treating such conditions as
carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic low back pain, plantar fasciitis, sciatica,
tennis elbow, knee pain, shin splints, frozen shoulder, hammer toes, piriformis
syndrome, tendinitis, trigger finger, and much more.
Foot Reflexology
There are 7200 nerve endings on the bottom of each foot. These nerve
endings pass back up over the body. Reflexology is the stimulation of various points on the feet that may affect
and benefit various parts of the body.
In addition to offering manual foot reflexology, Modern Reflexology Boot
Sessions are also available. Benefits of one 15 minute boot session is the
equivalent to three one hour manual reflexology sessions. Read more...
There is a video explaining the Modern Reflexology Boots as well.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is a vigorous system of treatment designed to energize the body
by stimulating circulation. Five basic strokes, all flowing toward the heart,
are used to manipulate the soft tissues of the body. The disrobed client is
covered by a sheet, with only the area being worked on exposed. I use a
combination of kneading, rolling, vibrational, percussive, and tapping
movements, with the application of oil, to reduce friction on the skin. The many
benefits of Swedish massage may include generalized relaxation, dissolution of
scar tissue adhesions, and improved circulation, which may speed healing and
reduce swelling from injury
Touch For Health
Developed by chiropractor John Thie, Touch for Health combines methods and
techniques that include acupuncture principles, acupressure, muscle testing,
massage, and dietary guidelines. The method of treatment requires a second
person who performs muscle testing. This determines which muscles are strong or
weak, indicating if a physical problem or organ malfunction exists. Once weak
muscles are determined, a variety of methods are used as part of a muscle
strengthening program. Such techniques include finger pressure on neuro-vascular
holding points on the head and pressure on the acupressure holding points. After
the muscles have been strengthened, Touch for Health theory states that energy
then flows through the body, improving vitality and the ability to maintain good
health. See kinesiology.
Finally after
years of trying, massage therapist in Indiana along with the assistance
of the Associated
Bodywork & Massage Professionals (A.B.M.P.) and the American Massage
Therapy Association (A.M.T.A.) managed to get a bill through requiring
massage therapist to be licensed.
As of July 1st
2009, all Massage Therapist in Indiana are required to be licensed by the
State of Indiana. I proudly display my license in my office and on my
website. I am also a member of A.B.M.P. and have been since 1991.
Please visit a
Licensed Massage Therapist and a member of one of the massage
therapy organizations above to receive your therapy, whether it's for a
relaxing stress reduction massage or for therapeutic bodywork. Both A.B.M.P.
& the A.M.T.A. require higher education and CEU's to maintain membership.
After all, it's your
body, there are contraindications for receiving even a relaxation
massage. A licensed professional knows those contraindications.
Sincerely,
Harry Farris
*These statements have not
been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are
not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. None of
the therapies available at Accelerated Wellness are intended to
diagnose, cure or prevent disease.
Product Return Policy:
UNOPENED supplements may be returned for refund within 60 Days of
your order. There is no refund on shipping charges. Return Policy on the TheraSauna's, Infratonics
and KYK Harmony Water Ionizer: You may return within 30 Days
of Delivery. There is a 20% restocking fee for these items.
Contact Information
Telephone: 317-865-0889
Harry Farris (owner) Therapist, Member of:
Associated Bodywork& Massage Professionals since 1991
International Association of Colon Hydrotherapist since 1998
Touch For Health Kinesiology Association
